Skin resurfacing

The Carbon Dioxide (C02) Fractional Laser Resurfacing removes layers of skin tissue in a fractionated method to help reduce “age-spots” (also called sun freckles, liver spots, and lentigines), fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, uneven coloration, skin laxity, textural irregularities, dull tone, and a thinned collagen layer of the face, neck, and chest.

CO₂ is the best treatment if you wish to get the most results with one treatment.  If you have the ability to take some time to heal (7-14 days), having this one treatment is like having multiple other non-invasive treatments at once.  It is also the best single treatment for advanced skin damage and wrinkling.

CO₂ is procedure that requires pre- and post-treatment medications to ensure proper healing and comfort during the procedure. Discomfort varies on the depth of the treatment. Usually a topical anesthetic is required. After the treatment most patients describe the post-procedure feeling as a bad sunburn for about 12 hours to 2 days. Patient is advised to follow the doctor’s instructions.

Typically  one laser treatment with C0₂ is recommended. Occasionally, in an area that cannot be treated aggressively, we may need to do more than one treatment to optimize results.   Maintenance treatments may also be necessary to maintain results, especially if sun is not avoided or proper skin care used. Occasionally, even with the best care, another treatment may be necessary in a few years (in the area around the eyes, it may only be 1-2 years).

Note:- This is not a treatment for any woman who is pregnant or anyone who has been treated with isotretinoin within 6 months.  In addition, if there are any conditions resulting in delayed or abnormal healing or a history of cold sores or herpes virus it is important to tell your physician at the pre-treatment stage to prevent complications.

Risks or Side effects:- The main negative of the CO₂ is the downtime.  Depending on the area and the aggressiveness of the treatment, it will take7-14 days for the skin to heal.  This downtime will include significant redness crusting (possibly minor bleeding and oozing depending on treatment depth), dryness, and peeling and flaking (it is important to keep the skin moist after treatment).

Prior to treatment all potential risks and side effects will be discussed with you by your medical provider and cosmetic coordinator.